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Parents have been urged to talk to their children about sexting, pornography and sexual abuse using 'Pants'.

Thankfully, not the actual underwear.

Instead 'PANTS' is the handy acronym used by the NSPCC as guidance to help parents and carers have the more difficult conversations to keep children safe from sexual abuse.

A spokesman for the children's charity said: "Simple conversations, like crossing the road safely, bullying and dealing with strangers are subjects that you and your child might talk about. Rightly so.

"But what about staying safe from sexual abuse? It’s a conversation no parent wants to have but thankfully with the help of NSPCC’s Underwear Rule also known as PANTS - it doesn’t have to be scary."

NSPCC needs your help

"If there’s nothing to worry about, you can feel assured that you’ve checked it out. And remember it’s probably a huge relief for your child to be able to talk to someone."

Support our appeal for the NSPCC and Childline

A total of 175,000 abused or suffering children a year try to call Childline but can't get through because demand is now so high - that's why we joined forces with the NSPCC for our fundraising campaign last year.

Every 25 seconds a child contacts the NSPCC's Childline service. Right now, Childline counsellors can only respond to 3 out of 4 children who need their help.

£4 could pay for a counsellor to answer a child's call. It could be a call that saves their life.

Find out about how the NSPCC works to keep more children safe every day at nspcc.org.uk

You can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 and can find more information and support about talking PANTS, as well as talking and listening techniques, at nspcc.org.uk/pants or send an NSPCC councillor a message at help@nspcc.org.uk.

Moved by what you’ve read? Help Childline be there for every young person who desperately needs support. Donate £4 by texting ‘NSPCC 4’ to 70744 or visiting nspcc.org.uk/mirror. Text costs include your donation of £4 plus your standard network rate. The NSPCC will receive 100% of your donation.